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Capone chats with Guillermo Del Toro about PAN'S LABYRINTH, HELLBOY 2, 3993, SILVER and more!!!

Pan's Labyrinth, eh? May by Grimjack99	Dec 27th, 2006 03:09:04 PM
Pan's Labyrinth, eh? May have to check it out.
What about Deadman? by holidill	Dec 27th, 2006 03:15:57 PM
Isn't he involved in that one as well?
cool, even more... by streakerfreak1983	Dec 27th, 2006 03:24:53 PM
interested now!
Excellent. by Nordling	Dec 27th, 2006 03:25:47 PM
Great interview. PAN'S is one of my top 10 for 2006, and it's intelligent and beautiful. Very nice interview, Capone.
GUILLERMO DEL TORO GOTTA EAT by Pound Sand	Dec 27th, 2006 03:29:47 PM
Apparently, so does the Pale Man, who favors a cup of coffee and a bagel.
Love it. by Rakafraker	Dec 27th, 2006 03:44:23 PM
GDT is a entertaining guy. I like the movies he makes, even if they are mostly popcorn flicks.
Del Toro by kbass	Dec 27th, 2006 03:51:28 PM
Some truly great movies and some not so great. But at least his movies are interesting.
awsome movie by harold_maude	Dec 27th, 2006 03:57:40 PM
this years end has been great, my top two Pan and Rocky balboa
Wide release? by biggles2_22	Dec 27th, 2006 04:03:39 PM
Does anyone know when the movie will go into wide release? There's nothing scheduled here in Mich.
Whatta Guy by DOGSOUP	Dec 27th, 2006 04:05:15 PM
Maybe this year begins a different kind of Mexican Revolution....shit I just had a premonition on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. I just hope the second Hellboy animated movie is better than the first.
does this guy scare you? by carpemundus	Dec 27th, 2006 04:52:38 PM
or is it just me? www.carpemundus.com - seeing del toro in our nightmares
Woohoo! Pan's Labyrinth unedited in the US! by scrivener	Dec 27th, 2006 05:01:44 PM
I've been terrified for months that the movie would get studio chop-shopped for it's US release... but much to my joy, the commercials they are running advertise an R-rated film! Hugbies!
Silver by scrivener	Dec 27th, 2006 05:03:23 PM
So... GDT is making Bubba Nosferatu?
This Interview Just Frustrated Me More by Mr. Winston	Dec 27th, 2006 05:14:38 PM
Though I thought that many of the components of PAN'S LABYRINTH were very solid and that the WWII portions of the film worked extremely well on their own, I was really, really disappointed by the film - for a few of the reasons del Toro mentions. To me, his comments about creating a mythology and then not explaining them...that's a huge cop-out. I would make the case that the "tasks" Ofelia has to complete in the movie don't parallel, even slightly, her real world woes - nor does she seem to learn at all from them (until a forced sequence at the end). They seem like random, mostly pointless exercises in Pan fucking with her to an Nth degree, whether it's just to taunt her or to distract her from the pain of her waking life. I wrote a review for this film which I sent in and I was damn sure AICN wasn't going to publish because I'm so anti-del Toro as a screenwriter (though I think he's a brilliant director). I understand that, but I think it's pertinent to warn everyone who's going to see this that it's not a fantasy film - it's a war drama. In the nearly two hours of running time there might be 15-20 minutes total of fantasy narrative. That's it, and I think I might even be generous in that approximation. And not only did the fantasy not seem to relate to the real-life drama taking place, but it didn't seem to make much sense on the whole. Why del Toro thought he could provide a weak fantasy subplot to a WWII drama is beyond me, but I didn't think it worked. I would have much rather seen an intimately realized fantasy world with a WWII backdrop...because the fantasy world, in its visuals and concept, had the potential to be stunning. To me this movie was a hell of a lot less about him wanting to let the audience figure out the story and much more about him not being able to tell the story he had in his head properly.
I love The Devils Backbone... by leeVSbenway	Dec 27th, 2006 05:39:06 PM
...although it gets a little less awesome the more I watch it, can't fricking wait for PL. If GDT were to give me a bear-hug I'd pop a boner and try to nuzzle up to the big guy until he got creeped out or invited me back to his place. Great interview Capone.
Mr. Winston by BadMrWonka	Dec 27th, 2006 07:22:51 PM
but the concise wrap-ups and exact parallels that you seem to be hungry for, are exactly what Del Toro said frustrates him about the Hollwood system. expectations like that, while they might be a comfort to many viewers, stymie the freedom that writers and directors should have to tell a story that is not so precisely defined. it is the result of his own childhood dreamscapes, and an attempt to make a statement about children's fantasies and the escape they provide, especially within a horrific environment. why is there a need to provide a perfect package for everything? personally, I'm looking forward to this one, not for a perfect story, but for a glimpse into a part of life that, while fairly universal, is rarely done sufficient justice in cinema: the fantasy world of the child'd mind, and the wonder and horror it provides.
Oh well Mr. W, I'm still there opening night by DOGSOUP	Dec 27th, 2006 07:39:18 PM
This Friday GDT you get my money.
when is pans labyrinth coming to theatres by white owl	Dec 27th, 2006 08:49:16 PM
in the small towns? if at all?
MAY DEL TORO CONTINUE TO EAT by Unlabled	Dec 27th, 2006 09:53:29 PM
.
BadMrWonka, DOGSOUP by Mr. Winston	Dec 27th, 2006 11:10:32 PM
First of all, you SHOULD be there opening weekend. For all the parts of this movie I didn't like, there are still many that I did. Out of all the films out there it's still worth your $10, even as flawed as I find it. To you specifically, MrBadWonka, I would say that, in my perception of the film, it wasn't at all about a perfect package or a three-act structure. It was about telling the best story, and telling the best story the best way it could be told. I think if he had done a straight WWII story it might have been an absolute masterpiece, and had he told a straight fantasy I would have been enthralled. But the way in which the story unfolds...it didn't work for me. And let me state this: I am sick and tired of the Hollywood treatment. I despise it more than just about anyone. But I found this effort, while brilliant in parts, too mismanaged to take. I didn't find that the fantasy elements had anything to say about the realistic elements, and I think when you're trying to navigate this kind of narrative that's a huge problem. I hope you find differently, but even if you don't the price of admission for the experience will surely be worth it.
Second best movie of the year by oscarbait	Dec 27th, 2006 11:21:29 PM
Not to be redundant, but the Pale Man scene was awesome. Hansel and Gretel meets Pinhead...WICKED!
Thunderballs by streakerfreak1983	Dec 28th, 2006 12:28:51 AM
do you ever have anything nice to say. Have you seen Devils Backbone or Cronos? I am going to say I did not like Mimic or Hellboy(although I do feel it could have been better if it was done outside Hollywood) But his films done outside the system are great. Geez, always so negative. What do you like?
he just needs to stay in Spain shooting... by streakerfreak1983	Dec 28th, 2006 12:31:26 AM
Spanish Civil War/post-spanish civil war area films.
what about Del Toro's long-gestating adaptation... by beamish13	Dec 28th, 2006 12:44:26 AM
of Katsuhiro Otomo's "Domu"? Will that ever happen?
FIRST! by graycove	Dec 28th, 2006 01:01:28 AM
_
AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS by Daddylonghead	Dec 28th, 2006 01:27:13 AM
I just scanned this interview looking for any AMOM news... what the fuck is the status on this, which is frankly the project I'm most excited about??
Damn you Michael Bay by MCMLXXVI	Dec 28th, 2006 01:58:17 AM
Damn you Michael Bay
Love this F'N Movie by Redfive!	Dec 28th, 2006 02:27:25 AM
Ive seen it three times now and each time Ive seen it with a different person who falls in love with it.Theres very few films that do that.
"I'm still waiting..." by spectrebeeyatch	Dec 28th, 2006 02:36:10 AM
I'm still waiting for you to stop using my oxygen but that hasn't happened yet. Del Toro owes you nothing, so keep waiting. This movie rocked by the way and I plan to see it again when it comes out. Is it on the 29th? I'm not really sure.
Thunderballs by Vern	Dec 28th, 2006 03:23:38 AM
Del Toro has made two good movies I believe - MIMIC and HELLBOY. The other ones are GREAT movies, so I can see how it could be frustrating to you. Seriously bud, CRONOS, DEVIL'S BACKBONE, BLADE FUCKING 2... what does a guy have to do to impress the mighty Thunderballs? I mean be honest, even YOU have got to ask what kind of a miserable person could find nothing to like in any of those three movies. Honestly bud it makes me sad every time I see your talkbacks. You are like the man born without the ability to smile or be happy. Forever cursed to keep us updated on how much everything and everyone sucks. Your soul will not rest until you have made a list of everything that has ever existed in the world with "is a piece of shit" or words to that effect written next to each one. But you're part of the family. We still love you. You are our crazy uncle who yells at us and never laughs. But blood is thicker than water. Some day you'll love some movie and we'll all be there to witness it.
Guillermo del Toro is my favorite director by Ribbons	Dec 28th, 2006 03:30:59 AM
True story. I was really hoping he'd be able to make 'Domu' happen, but apparently the rights are inextricable. It's too bad; for many months I imagined what it would be like, and whether he'd be able to convince a studio to let him make it Japanese without throwing a couple of white people in there, and whether Otomo would be willing to collaborate with him and how that would influence the project, and so and so forth. Ah well. I'll be seeing 'Pan's' this weekend, hopefully enjoying it as much as others have, and it makes me happy to see so many projects with Del Toro's name attached to them these days. However many of them actually pan out remains, as always, a painful mystery, but I'll be cheering him on along the way.
Pan's Labyrinth: The Waring Blender School Of Filmmakin by The Devilled Backscribe	Dec 28th, 2006 05:32:42 AM
Take a pinch of "Labyrinth" (surprise!!!), a dash of "Nightbreed" and (the underrated) "Dream Child"; and then toss in huge portions of the 1985 Byelorussia-set movie "Come And See" (there's scenes in this that look like DelToro lifted shot-for-shot), and you end up with "Pan's Labyrinth", one of the most schizophrenic things I've seen this year: a movie that doesn't seem to know who it's talking to. I was largely bored by the flick. Ofelia drifts off into her fantasy world...why?? Despite the horrors around her, she seems blithely wel-adjusted, and lacking in any motivation. Then again, "Devil's Backbone" was similarly listless: a total one-trick pony. Del Toro sure has one sharp publicist, because he's got all the fanboy fools thinking he's the second coming of Luis Bunuel.
Wanted a fantasy but was spoon fed cliche war film... by Prague23	Dec 28th, 2006 05:47:32 AM
It's not the fantasy I was expecting, not at all. Stephen King naming it as his favorite film of the year was really surprising to me. Although, the version of Pan I saw had TERRIBLE English subtitles (when they decided to include them!), and was dubbed into French! Del Toro just isn't the god of filmmakers to me like the AICN crowd screams. So, maybe if it's released in Prague and I can see it 'properly' I'll be able to enjoy it. Instead of sitting in confusion, wondering why I'm watching a war movie, using basic cliche plot points and elements, instead of the f'in fantasy film that I was hyped. It didn't even have really good music, I thought. Casino Royale was infinately better.
Second best movie of the year indeed! by Klaus Herzog	Dec 28th, 2006 05:58:14 AM
With "Children of Men" being the first that is. I didn't care much for del Toro's movies before. Kinda enjoyed "Mimic", didn't care for "Blade 2", hated "Hellboy". But "Pan's Labyrinth" is a fantastic movie. I really can't recommend it enough. I hope del Toro directs one of the last installments of Harry Potter, he would be perfect for it.
Thunderballs by Vern by antonphd	Dec 28th, 2006 07:32:50 AM
wow. ok. i'm impressed. that was better than I could ever have handled Thunderballs. nice one Vern. I would have just told him to fuck off or ignored him. you got class man. you got class.
WIDE RELEASE???? by biggles2_22	Dec 28th, 2006 08:24:48 AM
C'mon help a brutha out! Does anyone know when the movie will go into wide release?! There's nothing scheduled here in Mich. Oh, and Thunderballs? You suck. Congrats on getting Vern to respond to your suckiness. It probably made your day. Anyone to slag GDT is just fishing for debate and obviously not being serious. If your visiting this site on a regular basis, you've got some clue as to good film making. (Unless of course you're prepared to come out of the closet to profess your love of everything Uwe Boll.) Otherwise, get the f#$% back in the closet and stop fishing for debate. Vern, stop taking the bait from this loser.
way to go Vern by streakerfreak1983	Dec 28th, 2006 09:10:48 AM
Although I do not feel your sentiment to Blade 2 (just could not get into the series) Devils Backbone and Cronos were great.
The Devilled Backscribe and Prague23 by streakerfreak1983	Dec 28th, 2006 09:19:56 AM
so devilled by your name it seems you just came onto this site to attack del Toro and prague what the hell does Casino Royale have to do with del Toro. Another damn talkbacker picking a random film out of his ass to attack another. At least pick a film that is related in some sort of way. Yes I loved Casino, I am a huge Bond fan, but in no way can it be compared to ANY del Toro film.
Vern by PwnedByStallone	Dec 28th, 2006 09:20:23 AM
Your response to Thunderballs was the best thing you have ever written. I love GDT and I look forward to Pan's. As it stands Devil's Backbone andd Blade 2 are my favs. Seriously I was initally kind of meh about Blade 2 but I have seen it a couple times since and I'm convinced it's one of the great horror/action masterpieces of our time.
wow Ak-47 by streakerfreak1983	Dec 28th, 2006 09:24:28 AM
I guess all the talk about you being Thunderballz was misguided
I loved Hellboy by kinghenryVIII	Dec 28th, 2006 09:38:51 AM
There is nothing wrong with that movie (minue the wanna be love triangle with the Agent - but I guess that had to thrown in). Hands down, great movie and a good time. Good story, cool FX, and Ron Perlman was great.
"Fucking 300" by triplefive	Dec 28th, 2006 10:49:31 AM
even Del Toro is excited for this one. no pressure, Snyder. no pressure at all.
& Mountains of Madness must be hard as hell to adapt by triplefive	Dec 28th, 2006 10:56:22 AM
its all dry, scientific descriptions of five-pointed shapes and large empty caverns. i get what ole HP was doin', but it really wont make a good movie if adapted straight.
WIDE RELEASE????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!1 by biggles2_22	Dec 28th, 2006 11:39:38 AM
Bueller?...Bueller?...Bueller? ...
GDT by Cobbio	Dec 28th, 2006 12:19:12 PM
Thanks, Capone. I enjoyed the colorful and seemingly heartfelt interview with Guillermo. He seems like a friendly, thoughtful guy, and while the only movies I've seen of his are "Hellboy" and "Blade 2," I enjoyed "Hellboy" enough to recognize that Del Toro's star is on the rise. Another thing I enjoyed about the interview was Guillermo admitting he had faun-filled nightmares as a kid. I can relate big time, in my own way, I guess. Brain chemistry and its resulting "lucid dreams," as Del Toro called them, have a lot to do with how a child's mind develops. Nightmares often affect kids in a big way, and I think I now know why Guillermo developed such a creative imagination. Thanks for giving us this tidbit of information, Capone. I'll keep it in mind when I go see "Pan's Labyrinth" in a few months. Can't wait.
El Gordo rocks by CuervoJones	Dec 28th, 2006 12:31:10 PM
Great director and great human being (no pun intended)
Eres un ejemplo para los gordos del mundo, Guillermo by CuervoJones	Dec 28th, 2006 12:39:28 PM
Siempre te lo digo y te lo volveré a decir.
streakerfreak1983 by PwnedByStallone	Dec 28th, 2006 01:02:01 PM
Not the same person. We just seem to be the only two people on Earth not blindly enamored with Rocky Balboa. Although it seems now he just hates everything so the comraderie I once felt is beginning to fade.
devilled backscribe by BadMrWonka	Dec 28th, 2006 01:27:15 PM
throwing in a Bunuel reference doesn't mean you're not still a troll. just means you took a couple of film history classes. maybe that's why you have to hate an innovative director for coming up with new ideas while you're still figuring out what to do with that sociology degree. (possibly communications), here's a tip, if you sign up for a talkback account with a trollish name, then make fun of the same director your name is feebly parodying, you're not gonna get much cred. that's kiddie stuff. it's hard, but possible, to make a reasonable argument against del toro's films, even here on AICN, but you haven't done it, pal.
Here Here by J Skell	Dec 28th, 2006 03:34:46 PM
Good one BadMrWonka. I've gone to film school and I hate to break it to you Devilled but everything you just said pretty much makes no sense. No one is really claiming GDT is Bunuel. What we are claiming is that Pan's Labryinth is an amazing film for what it is: a standard fantasy film that dips into the historical, the horror genre, and the classic fable, and it's done with a poetic honesty. That's a hard thing to do. A very hard thing to do. I don't think Bunuel could have made Pans, but of course LGT can't make any of the films Bunuel did. Different worlds my friend.
LGT = Luillermo gel Toro? by BadMrWonka	Dec 28th, 2006 04:36:34 PM
just kidding, I get what your saying.
Streakerfreak: Say what? You by The Devilled Backscribe	Dec 28th, 2006 05:08:41 PM
Streakerfreak: Say what? You missed my James Brown quote earlier. DelToro is an egomaniac who has a great publicist. Let's be serious. He was fired from "Mimic", totally didn't acknowledge his earlier screenwriter on ANY of his "Hellboy" discs, and gets away with pretending that his "homages" of his other material are "fresh". Let's not forget: after he came on to "Hellboy", it was put into turnaround...and "Hellboy 2" has been rejected by two studios, and still is awaiting a greenlight by Universal. And "Mountains Of Madness"? After the way DelToro ran "Hellboy" into the ground originally at Universal...is it any wonder "Mountains Of Madness" has been rejected a couple of times already? In fact, look back at ALL of his projects. "Monte Cristo"...the Mark Frost stuff. Let's face it: Del Toro doesn't really inspire confidence with his work.
AK-47, you are just worried Del Toro will come on and.. by Talkbacker with no name	Dec 28th, 2006 05:10:23 PM
...rip you apart Stallone style! hehe only messing with ya, mate. But seriously, is it me or have a lot of people chilled the fuck out since Sly's visit?. It's nice. I like it!
Skell: No sense? You claim by The Devilled Backscribe	Dec 28th, 2006 05:15:02 PM
Skell: No sense? You claim to have gone to film school (oh, joy -- you and the REST of "failed hollywood working at McDonalds"): try this instead. SEE THE MOVIES I CITED, especially (ironically) "Come and See". The AICN Del Toro "LurrveFest" is just embarassing. Have you people responding here actually SEEN "Pan's Labyrinth"? Seriously. It's not that great.
The Devilled Backscribe, you are kidding right? by Talkbacker with no name	Dec 28th, 2006 05:17:01 PM
or just being an arsehole? They are many directors yu can hack on but Del toro is not one of them. The guy is a fucking master. If you read the interview, Hellboy 2 has been greenlighted and starts filming soon. Man, you really should read the news instead of just jumping right in with pointless nonsense.
Talkbacker: "HB2" has NOT by The Devilled Backscribe	Dec 28th, 2006 05:33:22 PM
Talkbacker: "HB2" has NOT yet been greenlit. (Not "Greenlighted") The design team (including Wayne Barlowe, Mignola, storyboard artist Tracey Wilson) have been working out of the Valley the last several months to ratify a budget for the movie. That has still to happen. In the words of Thomas Dolby: "Quod Errat Demonstrandum, Baby".
Devilled by J Skell	Dec 28th, 2006 06:12:32 PM
No I don't work at MacDonalds. I didn't fail. I work in television. I've had scripts actually optioned. And I've seen Pan's Lab twice. I'm not a Del Toro maniac and think this is his first great film. Devil's Backbone was good, but not polished enough. I fully admit I have not seen "Come and See", but I have seen all the others you mentioned as well as most of Bunuel's work. You can say that is the crux of your arguement and anything I say is null and void until I do see "Come and See", but it brings up a more interesting point. It doesn't matter if it's similar to parts of "come and see". Really, it just doesn't matter. Because the film feels authentic. It struck me deeply and personally and few films do that. And that's more way more important that whether or not something may have come from something. It's why I still support Tarantino even though he rips off every single moment. Because the movie still has it's own voice at the end. And I don't think GDT is remotely as bad as Taratino in that regard. I'm curious what films you've seen have given you a similar genuine response. I can tell you've seen a great deal and are thoughtful so I'd just like to know. Cheers
Directors by J Skell	Dec 28th, 2006 06:23:34 PM
Another thing. This is a huge general point and maybe people can argue with me here. I don't like every director. But I appreciate any director who gets a following. Because films in the end are designed to communicate. And if a film strikes and resonates with a group of people then that's all that matters. I can think they're terrible, but it's okay because they communicate with someone out there. A director with a fan base is something infinitely more valuable than some dude like Tim Story or Brett Ratner who just goes through the motions with their movies and stick to "professionalism." Anything else we argue about is just a matter of taste. (A great movie that kind of deals with this subject in social terms is "The Ballad of Jack and Rose") So to Mr. Devilled: I like Del Toro. A lot of us do. Believe it or not, we're not idiots. And it's something that should at least be respected.
Vern by J Skell	Dec 28th, 2006 06:37:13 PM
The plot thickens...
Wait, is Devilled Backscribe the screenwriter by Vern	Dec 28th, 2006 06:37:55 PM
who he says went unacknowledged on the Hellboy dvd? At first I thought he was just some knowitall dude who didn't like Pan's Labyrinth, but now all the sudden he's dumping a list of inside info and gossip from throughout Del Toro's career, with a real disgruntled former employee vibe. Come clean bud, what's your story?
If so... by J Skell	Dec 28th, 2006 06:41:26 PM
He's on IMDB. I don't want to say the name cause that's calling someone out, but Hellboy info is up there. If it is him, I thought it was written like a british accent...
Mimic by J Skell	Dec 28th, 2006 06:48:17 PM
The problems of "mimic" were well-documented in Peter Biskind's book "Down and Dirty Pictures" and that debacle falls squarely on the shoulders of who else but the Weinstiens. They basically made it hell for him and re-edited the picture because they were bossy know-it-alls. (Believe it or not, they've actually gotten better lately. Though they still refuse to ACTUALLY RELEASE most of their good asian titles) Saying he was almost fired doesn't matter because they almost fire everyone but Quentin. They hated directors who didn't do what they wanted. Which is why the keep hiring John Madden.
DEVILLED BACKSCRIBE GOTTA EAT by Pound Sand	Dec 28th, 2006 07:37:40 PM
Vern's right (as usual): what's the what-what here?
I'm hurt, devilled by BadMrWonka	Dec 28th, 2006 07:46:50 PM
that someone so confused and out of touch as yourself didn't even respond to my jab at ya...oh well. that's life. if you're so special, go out and hire that publicist of GDT that you're so enamored with, you putz.
Hey Devilled by streakerfreak1983	Dec 28th, 2006 08:31:02 PM
"The Devilled Backscribe Dec 28th, 2006 05:08:41 PM Streakerfreak: Say what? You missed my James Brown quote earlier. DelToro is an egomaniac who has a great publicist. Let's be serious. He was fired from "Mimic", totally didn't acknowledge his earlier screenwriter on ANY of his "Hellboy" discs, and gets away with pretending that his "homages" of his other material are "fresh". Let's not forget: after he came on to "Hellboy", it was put into turnaround...and "Hellboy 2" has been rejected by two studios, and still is awaiting a greenlight by Universal. And "Mountains Of Madness"? After the way DelToro ran "Hellboy" into the ground originally at Universal...is it any wonder "Mountains Of Madness" has been rejected a couple of times already? In fact, look back at ALL of his projects. "Monte Cristo"...the Mark Frost stuff. Let's face it: Del Toro doesn't really inspire confidence with his work." I'm confused what the hell does any of that have to do with anything I said. James Brown? What? Did I miss something?Someone help me here. Vern, anyone....
Speaking of poop... by Frijole	Dec 29th, 2006 07:50:21 AM
I got one of those 20 Questions little handheld game thingies at Christmas... and it's amazing how many things it gets right. It actually guessed it when I was thinking of poop. And it even called it "poop". "He called the shit 'poop'... Hahaha!"
Yackback: I don't have a by The Devilled Backscribe	Dec 29th, 2006 08:12:18 AM
Yackback: I don't have a strong opinion of DelToro's work either. I actually liked Cronos, and don't think Mimic is as bad as everyone makes out. And I didn't even hate Pan's. But I'd rate something like Photographing Fairies higher.
Spirit of the Beehive by Harker-Writes	Dec 29th, 2006 08:34:23 AM
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the movie Spirit of the Beehive. Spanish Civil War combined with James Whale's Frankenstein. Del Toro must have seen it even if no one here has.
The Devilled Backscribe you really are... by Talkbacker with no name	Dec 29th, 2006 09:06:26 AM
a strange little fella. You have been asked some interesting questions yet you choose to answer yackbacker. Are you a disgruntled former employee or not?
The guy is allowed to have by B_Harrigan	Dec 29th, 2006 09:24:27 AM
The guy is allowed to have an opinion. And I love how Vern pulls out Blade 2 as being an example of great film making.
no love for Blade 2? by just pillow talk	Dec 29th, 2006 10:00:50 AM
While not great filmmaking, it was a pretty good action flick, and the best of the Blade series...
Blade 2 Love by J Skell	Dec 29th, 2006 10:54:04 AM
I went with my friends to a screening after finding the first blade pretty much laughable. About halfway through it I was like "is it me or is this pretty good?" It's a much better action flick with a great mood and visuals. I thought it was the only decent film in the series.
Can't believe Devilled by J Skell	Dec 29th, 2006 10:56:47 AM
did not respond to the identity questions. If you are indeed Mr. Briggs than you deserve to be called out because you've been parading a personal vendetta as objective opinion. If you are not the screenwriter than it helps validate your lack of bias. Folks are curious....
MCMLXXVI by Scarbro	Dec 29th, 2006 10:57:29 AM
I don't know why you're damning Michael Bay but I'll take any chance to do the same! Damn him! Dam him to the hell that it is to sit through his movies! (Although, Transformers looks good.)
Mimic by Scarbro	Dec 29th, 2006 11:03:10 AM
I remember meeting the head of the FX company that worked on Mimic in Toronto. He told me this story that Del Toro actually paid $25,000 of his own money to finish the effects he wanted after the studio (I guess the Weinsteins) refused to let him make the movie he wanted. I always admired Del Toro for that.
Blade 2 by Vern	Dec 29th, 2006 11:21:54 AM
Yes, I did and will continue to hold out BLADE 2 as an example of great filmmaking. As much as I love Del Toro's "classy" movies, BLADE 2 is the one I watch over and over again. It's gotta be one of the best "for hire" director jobs there ever was. You guys may not love BLADE like I do, but that's just because you haven't gotten there yet. To me BLADE 2 is a damn miracle, because with the combination of what it was a sequel to and who the director was, I had impossibly high expectations to fill. And it topped them. It takes much of what I loved about the original but ups the ante, making it weirder, more atmospheric, with more interesting villains, better fights and amazing, breakthrough special effects. Blade and Whistler still get great lines, and they even saved some for Ron Perlman. Plus, who ever thought Del Toro could do an action movie? Well, he did. You guys were getting all excited about dudes swinging around on ropes for X-MEN, meanwhile BLADE 2 has people getting their heads banged through cement poles. I think this was also the first movie to switch from the actor to a digital stunt double and back in the same shot. All the super hero movies since should be paying BLADE 2 royalties. In conclusion, BLADE 2 is better than whatever horseshit you chose as your top ten or twenty movies this year and last year. Hope this clarifies, thanks. p.s. Backscribe, are you to blame for ALIEN VS. PREDATOR, if so please apologize so our nation can begin to heal
lol Scardro by BadMrWonka	Dec 29th, 2006 11:22:23 AM
you must be new here if you're responding to MCMLXXVI, that's ALL he posts, ever. and transformers looking good, well I don't have an opinion either way, but that viewpoint will get you some lashings around here. just letting you know! welcome to the talkbacks!
Hey, I can dig the criticism by Ribbons	Dec 29th, 2006 11:43:33 AM
I acknowledge that, although I think Del Toro is a great director and has a fascinating imagination, he could use some help in the screenwriting department. If that was your job, Mr. "Backscribe," then maybe I'm sorry, although not knowing any of your work it's kind of hard to say. I don't know what all this talk about 'Hellboy' being in turnaround for a while proves, btw, because half of the idiots who put it there were probably the ones who said shit like "What if he only turned red when he got angry?" But whatever.
Blade 2 by B_Harrigan	Dec 29th, 2006 11:46:28 AM
"In conclusion, BLADE 2 is better than whatever horseshit you chose as your top ten or twenty movies this year and last year. Hope this clarifies, thanks." -Vern So Blade 2 is the better than every movie made in the last two years? Yeah, you cleared that up for me you smug bastard.
Why do Americans like 'Children Of Men' so much..? by workshed	Dec 29th, 2006 12:48:56 PM
I thought it did Mr.Cuaron no favours in terms of his reputation.
saw it again by cahcat	Dec 29th, 2006 12:51:39 PM
i saw Pan again last night, Doug Jones was at the screening, he's soo awesome and charismatic, this movie is just magical and beautiful and sad. Oh so good.
Sounds kind of like a darker version of Labyrinth. by superninja	Dec 29th, 2006 01:26:34 PM
I bet this movie doesn't have David Bowie, though!
Thnx BadMrWonka! by Scarbro	Dec 29th, 2006 01:33:47 PM
Yeah, I guess I've got 'new guy' written all over me now. Thanks for the heads up!
Oh well, I'm with Thunderballs. by superninja	Dec 29th, 2006 01:36:23 PM
Don't think he has made a really great movie yet.
Blade 2 is good for what it is. by superninja	Dec 29th, 2006 01:39:34 PM
Compared to anything else, though, it's just not very good.
My problem with Hellboy is that it is not shot by superninja	Dec 29th, 2006 01:44:32 PM
very creatively. If you look at the comic, the use of space and light, it is begging for this type of visual translation to the screen. It would have set Hellboy apart, and instead it looks like Blade V: Enter Hellboy.
Vern and digital stunt doubles by snomusic	Dec 29th, 2006 02:31:44 PM
It's actually that crappy digital work that stands out like a wart would on Salma Hayek's nose that totally takes me out of the movie. It's the same reason I hated Matrix Reloaded with the terrible CGI Neo. It's as bad as watching the 1948 Superman serials where they switch to a cartoon Superman to make him fly. That was really great wasn't it? NOT.
Saw it this AM. Great movie. Really, really, great. by McGsStepson	Dec 29th, 2006 03:01:08 PM
A fine film and one of the few end of the year films that has really had an impact on me. And its not A LOT of fantasy, but when that "part" of this film is onscreen it is both unforgettable and fits with the civil war narrative to great effect.
I saw Pan's Labrynth today by Bobo_Vision	Dec 29th, 2006 03:29:05 PM
Its was well crafted, and a nice tale. The girl in it is really good. There's not as much fantasy as I expected like the previous poster mentioned, but that gives the movie an interesting balance. The interesting thing about the movie is that this is clearly directed towards adults with an R rating and all, and there are moments of brutality which make it clear why, but at its core it has an innocent tale, and a pure message at the end which many adults could benefit from, and it was nicely paired with the civil war theme. So its a nice movie, I wouldn't call it great, but well done.
Truly one of the great films of the year by Nabster	Dec 29th, 2006 03:33:40 PM
Pans really was an incredible movie. Sure it was a visionary movie, with an script as original as they come, and some superb imagery, but the actors also need to be commended. Finding good child actors seems to be so difficult,however, in this movie the child is pitch perfect. She seems very believable, and the facist captain is just incredible. I havent seen Cronos or Devils Backbone, but i certainly have new found respect for Del Torro, the man comes of as incredibly inteligent in this interview. All of my friends in London also loved it, even the ones whom I thought did not have the patience or sophistication for foreign films. I really could go on about this film. Whoever would have thought the two best films of the year would be ones made my Mexican film-makers. The other one in my opinion was Children of Men. Some of the most incredible and intense direction ever to grace a screen. The mounting tension created by those long unbroken shots are simply unparalleled. Movies like Pans can make one love and believe in films again. Oh and please make silver you next project, it sounds like another excitingly original project
Rose & The Mexican Three by Scarbro	Dec 29th, 2006 05:17:18 PM
Hey y'all, Thought you guys would like this, it's an awesome interview by Charlie Rose (and what interview by Rose isn't?) with the three Mexican directors Del Toro, Cuaron, & Inarritu in a round table conversation about "film and friendship". Del Toro even lets Charlie read through his Hellboy2 diary. It's pretty awesome to see this kind of friendship in an industry filled with big egos and low self esteems. Enjoy! http://tinyurl.com/yzhyn8
Interesting. I like... by Jaka	Dec 29th, 2006 10:20:27 PM
..Hellboy. Crazy, huh?
Talkbacker with no name by PwnedByStallone	Dec 30th, 2006 02:50:17 PM
Don't think I haven't noticed that the love for Rocky Balboa has taken a noticable decline since the movie actually came out and people have seen it.
Rare opp. - wife wants 2 C movie but no PANS/CHILDREN by JDanielP	Dec 30th, 2006 04:01:40 PM
Yeah, if either "PANS LABYRINTH" or "CHILDREN OF MEN" were playing this weekend (at least, close to us), one of these two movies would have our evening dollars. We're checking all theatres anywhere within a good drive and can't agree to anything else. (I've seen "THE GOOD SHEPHARD" and "ROCKY BALBOA" ...and together, we've seen "THE HOLIDAY") Looks like it will be a DVD tonight, for sure. And we may have to wait for PANS or CHILDREN on DVD. Damn, ...if only timing wasn't everything.
AK-47, look, if you are a Rocky fan by Talkbacker with no name	Dec 31st, 2006 03:30:32 AM
You are going to love Rocky Balboa. I saw it over the weekend and loved every minute Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Pan's script wasn't that great.... but..... by blindambition238	Dec 31st, 2006 07:34:37 AM
I saw Pan tonight and of the films i saw this yea, Babel and Children of Men included this was by far my faveorite. I have to agree, along with many here now it seems, that the script wasn't that strong in retrospect; many of the plot points involving the whole war scenario werent exactly that refreshing and fairly predictable. You could pretty much map where the Doctor and Servant's (Verdu) storylines were going to go when they first entered the screen. However, Del Toro's direction, told the film's story with the right enough of emotion, creativity, and themematic nuances to make the entire experience memorable. What's the saying? Plot is nothing, story is something, and narrative is everything? Oh yea and I didn't realize Blade 2 was hated hated by some. I love that fucking movie! Its definatly not that smart or inspiring of a flick, but like Vern said: for what it was supposed to be it was pretty damn impressive. I still think that scene where Snipes tears through all those armoured guards is one of the best moments in comic book films. Oh well I trashed my credibility but those were my 2 cents.
wow i made typos abound by blindambition238	Dec 31st, 2006 07:35:47 AM
sorry guys. damn small typing box thingy
Vern--you've lost it. by moondoggy2u	Dec 31st, 2006 11:20:48 AM
Its opinions like yours that prove Backscribe's ultimate point: geeks, and this site in particular, will take some relatively unknown mediocer director and pad his resume to the point of absurdity. Blade 2 is the best movie in the past two years? Vern--grow up.
The truth about Del Toro, Vern by moondoggy2u	Dec 31st, 2006 11:26:19 AM
Is that he's a midling director who shows promise--nuff said. Save perhaps for Pans Labrynth, which has unknown cult film status written all over it (zero anticipation or awareness of this film outside of a few websites), all of Del Toro's films are forgettable and purely average. Will Del Toro get better? Who knows, maybe he'll always be the same or maybe he's just getting started, but one thing is for sure: he's not the second coming as this site, and VERN in particular, would have you believe. In fact, if I may be so bold, this is all just another example of AICN creating a lot of false hooplah over some midling film because the director of said film was willing to give this site a lot of face time and gift packages.
And finaly, Vern, you might want to stop rewriting by moondoggy2u	Dec 31st, 2006 11:34:34 AM
history. THe first blade was a mildly successful film (mostly due to its lower budget). Sure, it helped pave the way for marvel movies, but other than that, no one cared. To the average movie goer, it was some forgettable piece of popcorn trash, and the same goes for its sequel, which only looks better due to its higher budget, NOT del toro. You make it sound like Blade was some hard act to follow and Del TOro is God among men for knocking the ball further than the original. And thats just one example of why most of us over the age of 14 roll our eyes at the AICN hype machine.
Anyone else skip a heart beat... by Neosamurai85	Dec 31st, 2006 12:26:22 PM
... with the fleeting thought that he was remaking Miike's Silver? Cause that scared the shit out of me. Peace.
saw Pan's yesterday by oisin5199	Dec 31st, 2006 01:39:50 PM
I really liked it, but it didn't necessarily have the emotional impact that I look for in movies like that. That's not necessarily a fault of the movie, just my own expectations. Anyone looking for a full on fantasy epic will be disappointed, but what I think Del Toro does is actually stronger, more resonant and powerful. But it's the kind of film that percolates over time - more cerebral than I would have expected. And I have to disagree with the earlier poster (Mr. Winston - funny that's my dad's name) about the fantasy and reality being unrelated. There was absolutely nothing random in this film. The clockwork imagery is no accident, as things are finely structured like a clock. As Del Toro says, the scariest monster is the Captain and there are subtle references that he's a kind of minotaur in this labyrinth. Pan is the thing that challenges Ofelia - he's both the facilitator and obstacle to her journey back home to perfect familial and civil bliss (the underground kingdom). He's both endearing and scary. And both the 'fantasy' stories and 'reality' stories have to do with hidden things - things underground (buried letters, treasure, hidden people (rebels) in caves, hidden creatures in pits and labyrinths) - it did feel like the two worlds could easily exist side by side. Ironically, in Chicago, Pan's is playing more places than Children of Men, so I'm still waiting to see that film.
moondoggy by Ribbons	Jan 1st, 2007 07:20:42 AM
No offense pal, but it's quite possible that Del Toro appeals to a lot of us here, myself included, because he's a genre director? Being able to use your imagination and create semi-coherent worlds through film is a pretty admirable talent. While it may not make him an objectively "good" director, it appeals to me. Although I do think he's great behind the camera as well, mostly in terms of composition. I can understand people who don't vibe with his movies thinking he's overhyped; truth be told, I feel the same way about Robert Rodriguez half the time. So we're simpatico. But I take umbridge (umbridge, I say!) to the intimation that anybody who actually has the gall to like GDT is just a sucker of "the AICN hype machine." More specifically that we're employing covert tactics to try and trick people into liking him? Why? I can only speak for myself, but I "would have you believe" that GDT is one of my favorite directors because he actually is, not because I think that I have to help maintain the status quo of AICN as the arbiter of geek taste or something.
Ribbons--believe me, I totally agree with you by moondoggy2u	Jan 1st, 2007 11:16:56 AM
Also, I think you'll have to point out to me where I said that anyone who likes GDT is a sucker--and if I unintentionally implied that you would be a sucker for doing so, then I apologize. . If you'll notice, I never even commented about the article or those who like/dislike GDT, but rather, with Vern's laughably immature statement that Blade 2 was better than any other film released during the past two years (which he stated as fact, not opinion). That, Ribbons, is one of many examples that more than a few mods at this site treat its audience in a less than honest and/or objective manner. Again, I'm not accusing you guys who like GDT as some massive AICN conspiracy, but rather, I'm disputing Vern's less-then-objective statements and this site's tendency to overhype directors, seemingly for unethical reasons.
by the way, by moondoggy2u	Jan 1st, 2007 11:48:45 AM
I meant that I agree with you concerning your right to have a favorite director and such. Hell, the Star Wars prequels are some of my favorite films and you know how much of a red button issue that is! Just to say it one more time, if I implied that you or anyone else that enjoys GDT is an idiot or something, than I beg your pardon. My dispute was with Vern's obviously asenine post and AICN's tendencies, which, whether you subscribe to such tendencies or not, do exist and cause many among us, myself included, to treat AICN with more than a few pinches of salt. Still, for the record, I do like this site, warts and all.
Just wanted to let everyone know... by JimmyLoneWolf	Jan 1st, 2007 01:39:50 PM
That I saw Ebert and Roeper's 10 Best of 2006 special yesterday and AO Scott (in my opinion the best of the guest critics) picked Pan's Labyrinth as his 2nd Best film of the year! The clip they showed was literally jaw-dropping in its beauty and uniqueness. Now I understand why this site has been reporting on this film for months...its that damn good! Guillermo Del Toro is truly a gift to cinema...and I still remember him bursting into tears of joy after seeing the Abe Sapien model for Hellboy. He's that kind of guy. One last thing...The 1973 Spanish film The Spirit of the Beehive fits perfectly between The Devil's Backbone and Pan's Labyrinth. It concerns a little girl's obsession with the movie Frankenstein and her escape into fantasy during the Franco-regime. It is considered by many to be the best Spanish film of the 1970's. I'd recommend seeing The Devil's Backbone first (its set in 1939, Beehive is set in 1941), then The Spirit of the Beehive, and finally Pan's Labyrinth (besides taking place in 1944, it seems a culmination of all the films set in this time and place). Enjoy!
Das cool by Ribbons	Jan 1st, 2007 04:56:34 PM
I had just gotten the impression from your post that you were accusing everyone, or almost everyone, for liking Del Toro for reasons that weren't genuine.
here's a long one for Moondoggy by Vern	Jan 2nd, 2007 03:47:52 AM
You're right, when I wrote "In conclusion, BLADE 2 is better than whatever horseshit you chose as your top ten or twenty movies this year and last year. Hope this clarifies, thanks," it was, as you put it, "obviously asinine." And if you can show me where in the Constitution it states that I am not allowed to make an exaggerated statement in a talkback to amuse myself, I will show you which part somebody added onto your copy of the Constitution to fuck with you. That said, I think what you're saying about Del Toro is also a silly exaggeration. You don't have to like the guy's movies. But to write him off as "a middling director" and claim "all of his other films are forgettable and average" is bullshit. Are you kidding me? Yes, BLADE 2 is my favorite of his movies (I am partial to movies that kick ass and/or take names.) But the other ones are the pure Del Toro movies, and I haven't even seen PAN'S yet (it's not playing here). Regardless of your personal enjoyment of CRONOS and DEVIL'S BACKBONE, you're honestly telling me they're just "average"? I don't see how you can use that word to describe movies that have such a distinct look and feel and obviously personal stories (something you don't get in too many horror movies, especially these days). Even his most compromised movie, MIMIC, is completely unique. I mean, who else is making movies even remotely like Del Toro's? Nobody. To be average it would have to be everybody. The guy is obviously an original with a unique touch and to call those movies "average and forgettable" is exactly what you're accusing "The Ain't It Cool Hype Machine" of doing, in my opinion, just in the opposite direction. As for this "Hype Machine" I'm supposedly a part of, I don't think you understand my place here. I don't know what those other guys do down there in Texas, but as far as me there is no orchestrated effort on anything. I send them a review in email and they usually put it up. (Every once in a while I have to send it twice.) That's the extent of our conspiracy. Those guys don't even email me. They don't even send Christmas cards. I never met or saw Del Toro in my life, but I liked his movies before most of these other jokers. And I will keep enjoying them as long as they are enjoyable, which is so far working out. By the way I don't think I've ever reviewed a Del Toro movie on The Ain't It Cool News before. I did send them a pretty positive review of HELLBOY but they didn't run it, because I guess their Del Toro Hype Machine was on the fritz that day. Finally, in regards to the BLADE movies, I never said a word or even a letter about what some mainstream composite "average moviegoer" thought of them or how much money they earned. I was saying what I thought about them, I thought that would be clear but I will specify for now on. In my opinion and not the opinion of the mainstream C+ most representative moviegoer, hell yes, BLADE is one of the best movies of the past ten years, especially of that type. I, myself, alone, without the company of a carefully selected scientific sampling of moviegoers from various backgrounds and geographic locations, watch it over and over again. It definitely WAS a hard act to follow, and Del Toro IS impressive (not sure about gods among men, sounds kind of un-Christian) for knocking it out of the park. I'm not just "making it sound like," I am explicitly stating it for the second time. For clarification. What's so ridiculous about saying I loved BLADE and was amazed that the sequel lived up to my expectations? I bet there are average moviegoers out there who make more outrageous statements than that and you NEVER jump on their balls like you did me. you play favorites man. You're hurting my feelings. I'm sorry, Moondoggy. If you can't accept that I love the BLADE movies then I'm afraid we just can't be friends anymore. I hope some day you can forgive me as I have already forgiven you for trying to ice skate uphill, etc. p.s. that is a reference to the movie BLADE starring Wesley Snipes. thanks Moondoggy but cut me some slack please. happy new year bud.
Vern, by moondoggy2u	Jan 2nd, 2007 01:27:50 PM
When have I said that you have no right to make an ass of yourself? You of course have every right to your opinion, but dont expect people like myself to call you out on it. Do I retort every other opinion in this world made by your average Joe and Samantha? Of course not, but when we are in a talkback forum designed for points and counter points and you make an admittedly dumb and/or overly emotional statement, you might want to expect to be taken to task for it. AS for the idea that I'm exagerating when I say that GDT, although talented, is middle of the road to myself and many others, well, all I can say is that your perspective remains somewhat dubious. To not subscribe to the idea that GDT's Blade 2 is one of the best films in 10 years could hardly be considered an exageration by anyone other than someone with, shall we say, questionable attitudes. Finally, I think you may have to reread my statements to Ribbons concerning the freedom to enjoy movies before you accuse me of being unable to accept your tastes. My entire beef with you, Vern, and to some extent, many AICN mods in general, is that you state your OPINION as fact, which only serves to exagerate the merits of a director and/or film and undermine your own credibility. I'm sorry that you cannot accept a rational argument for SOME professionalism on your part and instead equate said argument about perspective as "hype" and, thusly, hypocrisy, but that doesnt change the argument's accuracy. Just for the sake of argument (and simplicity), let us assume I am "negatively hyping" a movie, your positive hype doesnt mean your credibility is any less shot, does it? Is it okay to beat Timmy up since Bobby did, too, Vern? Anywho, I'm done beating you in the head over this, Vern. Remember, in the future, try to lay off hyperbole and feel free to stick a "In my opinion.." every now and then, okay? Oh, and with all sincerity, I wish you a veerrry happy new year to you, too. And sorry about the lack of paragraphs--I've still have yet to figure out how to do it--the instructions are way over my head. Old dogs and all that;)
oops. by moondoggy2u	Jan 2nd, 2007 01:28:52 PM
thats supposed to be "Dont expect people like myself to NOT call you out on them.
oops. by moondoggy2u	Jan 2nd, 2007 01:29:04 PM
thats supposed to be "Dont expect people like myself to NOT call you out on them.
sweet jesus, i seriously need to edit before I post by moondoggy2u	Jan 2nd, 2007 01:32:16 PM
I meant, "feel free to stick a 'in my opinion...' in your posts every now and then.." Sorry for the garbled post, Vern.
moondoggy by Vern	Jan 2nd, 2007 01:57:41 PM
I'm not a "mod." Maybe this black box they gave me is serving me wrong, but I'm just a talkbacker like you. I wrote up a pretty good list of a small percentage of the reasons why I love BLADE 2. I ended it with a joke. You are beating me over the head with my joke, ignoring all my reasons, and saying Del Toro is middle of the road without giving any explanations of what you don't like about his movies or even which ones you're talking about. I WIN MOTHERFUCKER. See, the last part in all capitals was the part I didn't mean. So respond to the rest. thanks Moondoggy, I don't think we know how to communicate with each other but at least we're trying to be reasonable. thanks bud. p.s. try the letter p inside some < > triangle bracket things
Vern returned by moondoggy2u	Jan 2nd, 2007 04:27:56 PM
You're not a mod, huh? I appologize, then, because I had always thought that anyone with a black box was a mod or something. I appologize, then--I did not know. As for our communication skills, I think its more of a case that we just have completely different styles of syntax and humor. Were we not so limited, things would probably be quite a bit clearer between us. Concerning my examples of his being middle of the road, I give you Blade 2, Mimic, and Hellboy. You say Mimic is unique, but I see nothing in that film that shows anything beyond your typical monster movie. It plays exactly like Alien(s), Jurrassic Park, Congo, Phantoms, Relic, and a slew of other late 90s horror flicks. Same goes for the direction in Hellboy and Blade 2, for that manner. Granted, I havent seen Pans Labyrinth, and it may indeed be the bee's knees, but that doesnt take away from the fact that the bulk of his work doesnt exactly stand out--save for his obvious penchant for darker films. Make no mistake, however, Vern, there are things I like about GDT. As lower budgeted action/adventure films go, he knows how to go the extra mile. His films look like they cost twice what he was budgeted--no small feet in modern cinema. Furthermore, I do like his use of heavy contrast shadows, something not done in many films as of late. Thanks for the help, by the way--these paragraphs are a godsend. Oh, and no need to thank me for being relatively well-mannered in our disagreements. You and I have butted heads on more than one occassion, if I recall, and you have always been very respectful. After all, rudeness and profanity is the bane of all civilized discourse. ps. Now fuck off, asshole. ;)
shit. I put the first P break a few sentences early. by moondoggy2u	Jan 2nd, 2007 04:30:05 PM
oh well.
GDT ... by Dee1973	Jan 2nd, 2007 04:57:27 PM
...shows promise as being a great director, I saw PAN a few times and it gets better with each viewing. I also find it pretty depressing some of the comments concerning the coherance of the fairy tale elements...hello? , it's a fucking fairy tale mate! But i did come across an interesting interpretation which said that the tasks relates to the mother's difficult pregnancy
Moondoggy by Vern	Jan 2nd, 2007 05:42:34 PM
Does that mean you don't consider DEVIL'S BACKBONE and CRONOS as middle of the road, or you haven't seen them? I think of those two (and hopefully PAN'S) as what Del Toro is about, and then he does these other for-hire movies for fun and puts his spin on them. I guess you can't say that about HELLBOY because it was his passion to adapt that comic book. I don't like that one as much as the others but it is still a movie nobody else would've made, up to and including the monster characters all being dudes in makeup. Plus, that clockwork nazi dude was pure Del Toro. As for MIMIC, here are the things that I think are pure Del Toro: the bizarre image of the insect whose features camouflage him to look like a man. The autistic kid obsessed with making rhythms with spoons. The fact that kids die in the movie. The people rubbing bug juice all over themselves. The shadowy cinematography and eerie soundtrack. Probaly other stuff, but I haven't seen it in a while. I agree though, it has a whole ALIENS-ripoff vibe you can't shake by the end but I think Sr. of the Bull put his fingerprints all over it still. BLADE 2 though, come on dude. Masterpiece. Admit it.
intelligentsia by J Skell	Jan 2nd, 2007 06:15:40 PM
This reminds me of either the duels of the old english aristocracy where men would take turns shooting at each other like in "Barry Lyndon". ALSO, where is the DEVILLED. His complete lack of repsonse means that I believe he is indeed Mr. Briggs who would obviously have a big bone to pick with Del Toro personally and therefore not exactly the most objective of critics.
Damn good interview by Rupee88	Feb 13th, 2007 12:12:19 PM
For a long time, all I knew of Del Toro was Blade II and Hellboy and I was not overly impressed, even though those films were kinda cool. But I just saw Pan's Labyrith and now i know what all the fuss is about. And reading this interview makes me respect and admire him even more. I plan to check out Devil's Backbone for sure. And good job by Capone here too. Good shit, aicn.
And that young actress doesn't get enough credit by Rupee88	Feb 13th, 2007 12:14:12 PM
After Del Toro, she gets the next largest amount of credit for the excellence of Pan's Labyrinth, very closely followed by the brilliant cinematographyer. She was just near perfect in that role.
Solid Interview. Really helped with my Pan's Essay. Cheers. by MMacKK	Jun 11th, 2009 02:23:13 AM

LIFE! GIVE ORCUS' TB.....LIFE! by Orcus	Jun 11th, 2009 05:33:32 PM

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Capone chats with Guillermo Del Toro about PAN'S LABYRINTH, HELLBOY 2, 3993, SILVER and more!!!

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